Key facts
- Singapore plans new land reclamation projects to address land shortages.
- An artificial island is planned off the southwestern coast for next-generation industries and energy facilities.
- The country is considering merging several islands south of Jurong Island into a larger western island.
- Preparatory works for the "Long Island" coastal protection project will start at the end of 2026.
- Reclaimed land currently makes up about 28% of Singapore's total land area.
Singapore is embarking on ambitious land reclamation initiatives to expand its industrial capacity and enhance coastal defenses against rising sea levels. The government plans to create new artificial islands, including one off the southwestern coast designated for next-generation industries and energy facilities, to overcome persistent land constraints.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced at the 2026 National Day Rally that Singapore is exploring the consolidation of several islands south of Jurong Island into a larger western island over the coming decades. This strategic move aims to create more space for economic development and critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, preparatory work for "Long Island," a significant coastal protection strategy, is scheduled to commence at the end of 2026. This project, expected to span decades, is designed to safeguard coastal areas from the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.
Traditional land reclamation methods, such as infilling, are facing challenges due to escalating costs and a dwindling supply of fill material, according to experts. Environmental concerns also accompany these conventional approaches. Singapore has been investigating alternative methods, including empoldering, which was used to reclaim 800ha of land at Pulau Tekong, reducing sand usage but incurring higher maintenance costs.
Land reclamation has been a continuous process in Singapore since 1822. Post-independence, the nation added approximately 160 to 165 sq km of land, increasing its total area from about 581.5 sq km in 1965 to the current 744 sq km. Reclaimed land now constitutes about 28% of Singapore's total landmass. Early reclamation efforts focused on urban development and infrastructure like public housing and Changi Airport, while later projects, such as Jurong Island and the expansion of the financial hub at Marina Bay, catered to high-value global services. The current focus, exemplified by projects like Long Island, also emphasizes long-term climate resilience.